Germany vs Ireland: Best Country for Indian Students

Germany and Ireland are both top contenders for Indian students seeking an international education. Each offers a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and potential post-study opportunities. But deciding between them can be a head-scratcher. This in-depth guide will explore the key factors Indian students should consider when choosing to study in Germany or Ireland.

Germany and Ireland are popular destinations in Europe for international students who are looking to study abroad. Germany is known for its world-class education system, particularly in engineering, sciences, and technology, with many public universities offering minimal or no tuition fees. On the other hand, Ireland boasts a strong education system, especially in business, IT, and healthcare, with all courses taught in English. However, tuition fees in Ireland tend to be higher than in Germany.

In 2024, over 40,000 Indian students were studying in Germany. Public universities in Germany are often free for international students, while private institutions charge between €5,000 to €20,000 annually. Meanwhile, Ireland's tuition fees for international students range from €9,000 to €25,000 per year. The cost of living in Germany is approximately €992 per month in Germany and about €991 per month in Ireland, though Dublin has higher accommodation costs. Both countries allow part-time work of up to 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours during holidays. After graduation, Germany offers a post-study work visa for up to 18 months, while Ireland provides a stay-back option for up to 24 months under the Third Level Graduate Scheme.

Germany vs Ireland Country Highlights

Eligibility/Requirements in Germany vs Ireland

One can check the eligibility requirements of both Germany and Ireland.

Germany

Universities in Germany are often funded by the state but not necessarily regulated by it. So every university decides its eligibility criteria and cut-off. Hence, it is advisable to check the university website for the specific program’s eligibility criteria. To pursue undergraduate courses in Germany you should have completed your 12^th class and either one of the below -

• Cleared JEE Advanced
• Completed one year of bachelor's degree education from a recognized university in India
• Cleared the Feststellungsprüfung – the entrance exam for different universities you would take to signify effective completion of Studienkolleg.

A high level of competition at the application stage results in universities asking for as high as 90% in your secondary school examinations. However, in case you have cleared your JEE Advanced, the cut-off is 50%. 

For a postgraduate program in Germany, you would need a German equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in the relevant subjects. Apart from this basic requirement, the universities might also require you to have scored well on your GMAT or GRE tests. For international students, IELTS or TOEFL, along with working knowledge of the German language are required. For German-taught programmes, a high level of proficiency in the language is required and you will be required to take either TestDAF or DSH. 

Ireland

For each course, a minimum academic score of 60% and above in Standard XII is required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured around 50%. The student should have completed 18 years of age before joining a degree program. It is important to remember that even though the entry requirement is lower at Irish universities, the education standard is not. Hence, you should carefully enhance your ability to cope with the high standard of education over the next few years beforehand.

For undergraduate courses, Irish universities accept applications through the Central Applications Office (CAO) an online enrolment system. You will have to create an account on the CAO website to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, a score of TOEFL/IELTS, and pay application fees. You will be informed about the application process and its stages through this account.

If you are applying for a postgraduate course at an Irish university, you need to have a relevant bachelor’s degree or diploma. Your undergraduate course must be consistent and relevant to the course you wish to pursue in your master’s. Candidates would also be required to appear for an English proficiency test to prove their command of the English language. 

Popular Courses at Germany vs Ireland

One can check the opular courses in both Germany and Ireland for international students.

Popular Courses in Germany

Renowned for its engineering prowess, with strong programs in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, and electrical engineering. Also excels in sciences like natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science. Business programs are gaining traction, particularly those with a focus on innovation and technology. Some of the most popular courses include:

• Engineering
• Computer Science and IT
• Business Administration
• Medicine and Healthcare

Popular Courses in Ireland

A leader in technology, with exceptional programs in computer science, software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Business studies are also popular, with a focus on areas like marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. Biosciences and renewable energy are emerging fields of strength.

• Information Technology/Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Engineering
• Finance
• Digital Marketing

Top Universities in Germany & Ireland

One can check the top universities ranking of both Germany and Ireland below.

Top 10 Universities in Germany

Read: Top Universities and Colleges in Germany

Top Universities in Ireland

Read: Top Universities in Ireland

Cost of Studying at Germany vs Ireland

Cost of studying an undergraduate program in Germany vs Ireland

Cost of studying a postgraduate program in Germany and Ireland

Also Read:

Germany vs Ireland: Student Visa Process

Student Visa Germany

• To stay in Germany for more than 90 days as a student, you are required to get a Germany Student Visa.
• You are required to show funds worth €11,904 per year as proof of funds required for the cost of living.
• A residence permit issued to students is valid for a maximum of two years. It needs to be renewed if the duration of the course is longer than the stated two years.
•  Students can work 180 days halftime or 90 days full time in an academic year. Presently, Germany is the only country where a student can pursue a part-time technical job in a related industry. Some universities also offer part-time jobs on campus called Hi/wi. 

Student Visa Ireland

• Students are required to apply for an Ireland Student Visa if they are planning to come to Ireland to undertake a course of study for more than 3 months.
• Applicants would be required to show funds of at least €10,000 in their bank account at the time of applying for the study visa. This amount equals the cost of living in Ireland for an international student for one academic year.
• Also, you need to be able to prove that you or your parents/sponsor will be able to provide at least €10,000 for each year of your studies, in addition to the course fee.
• Holding a valid stamp 2 means you will be permitted to work for 20 hours per week during the academic session, and 40 hours per week during the months of May, June, July, and August, and from 15th December to 15th January. These are the vacation times in Ireland so the time allowed to work increases during the vacations.

Germany vs Ireland: Post-Study Work Permit

One can check the post-study work prermit for both Germany and Ireland below.

Post-Study Work Permit in Germany

International students are required to apply for a Residence Permit after completion of their education at a German University. The Immigration Laws permit the students who have completed their degree to apply for a Residence Permit of 18 months duration to look for a job related to their qualifications. This permit is not combined with the Student Visa for Germany and you need to apply for it separately at the foreign nationals’ registration office. In case you have a job offer that is relevant to your stream of education even before you complete your education, you can directly apply for a Residence Permit or an EU Blue Card. 

Post Study Work Permit in Ireland

Once you have finished your studies in Ireland, you may wish to stay back a little longer and consider taking up a job to gain invaluable work experience. If you are enrolled as a full-time student, with an Irish accredited degree, and have the Visa Stamp 2 you may qualify for the Third Level Graduate Scheme. The steps to the process are as follows –

1. Students can apply for a non-renewable extension of up to 2 years after course completion. This extension is granted to find suitable employment.
2. Later on, you can apply for a green card (renamed Critical Skills Employment Permit) or work permit (renamed General Employment Permit).

A new visa stamp – Stamp 1G – is now granted to foreign graduates who are authorized to work under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. So if you are granted Stamp 1G you don’t need to separately apply for a visa extension.

Germany vs Ireland: Permanent Residency Opportunities

Germany

If you have been living in Germany for five years on a German residence permit, you can apply for a German permanent visa. There are exemptions for shorter stay time requirements. After eight years of living there, you become eligible to apply for German citizenship. In case you marry a German citizen, you can apply for German citizenship immediately.

Ireland

If you have been living in Ireland with a work permit for five years you become eligible for the Ireland Permanent Residence Permit. Foreign applicants who receive Irish permanent residency will get a Stamp 4 on their passport, which is valid for 5 years and is renewable. Additionally, after eight years of legal residence, the foreign national can apply for a “Without Condition As To Time” endorsement, which as the name suggests, does not have a pre-specified validity.

Germany vs Ireland: Scholarships

Germany

One of the primary names for funding your study in Germany is the German Academic Exchange Service or DAAD. The organization helps you not merely shortlist a suitable college but also helps you with a variety of scholarship options depending on your chosen discipline or field of research. Apart from DAAD, many independent research institutes also offer scholarships to students or research scholars. For a list of scholarships, visit: Scholarships to Study in Germany

Ireland

Ireland has over time become one of the preferred study-abroad destinations for international students and for the right reasons. To encourage the flow of foreign nationals for education, the country along with Irish universities has announced several scholarships for the benefit of international students. For a list of scholarships, visit: Scholarships to Study in Ireland

Germany vs Ireland: Climate

Germany

German summers are hot and the winters are cold and snowy, but rains are unpredictable and common during all seasons. The average winter temperature is 3°C and in summer it is 22°C. Maximum temperatures commonly reach -10°C in winter and 35°C in the summer months. The country is divided into 16 states and has an exceedingly varied landscape, so it is difficult to generalize the weather for the whole country.

Ireland

Ireland's climate is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, so the warm ocean currents keep temperatures mild. In the spring and summer (May to July) the average temperature is between 64°F and 68°F (17°C and 20°C). During the autumn season (August to October), the temperature varies from 57°F and 64°F (13°C and 17°C), with September being a mild month with a sunny and warm atmosphere. In winter (November to March beginning), the temperature reaches 46°F (7.78°C) with January and February as the coldest months. Apart from a few cold weeks, snow is scarce in Ireland.

The best study-abroad destination depends on your priorities. Consider factors like your desired program, budget, career goals, and preferred lifestyle. Students interested in engineering, sciences, or research-oriented programs, comfortable learning German or are pursuing a program taught in German should opt for Germany. Where on the other hand, Indian students interested in technology, business, or renewable energy programs, preferring a smaller, more close-knit study environment and courses taught in English should opt for Ireland as their destination of study. Indian students looking for assistance with university admissions can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors for assistance on the same.